After the Fire

May 18, 2004

We rely on God who rescued us from so deadly a peril, will continue to rescue us; on Him we have set our hope and He will rescue us again. 2 Corinthians 1:9, 10

We are longing to go home. Our house is still in the process of reconstruction after a fire. The townhouse in which we live is fine. It’s just not home. Our senses don’t connect with it in the same way. The smell isn’t the same. We miss hearing the familiar creak of our hardwood floors, the touch of the shower flowing so easily with just the right temperature. We miss the sight of the trees and birds. We can almost taste home.

Do you have a spot in your home that feels just right? Maybe it’s a special place in your house; a recliner that fits like a glove, a reading spot made just for you. Maybe it is your childhood home and even as an adult you stop by for rejuvenation. Are you a a dancer and feel most at home on stage or are you a hiker most at home in the wilderness?

Nothing in this world, not the spot that feels the safest and most comfortable feels exactly right. Nothing will until we reach our final destination, until we are rescued for eternity with Jesus. Do you ever imagine what it will be like? I imagine a spot with palm trees and water. I know His presence will be with us constantly and forever. Our longings will all be satisfied and we will be home. It will fit like a glove.

In Scripture we are called Christ’s ambassadors. To represent another place, we have to understand it, be a part of it, be able to speak of it. Have you tasted the living water of Christ? Can you see a little bit of the heavenly light? Have you been lost in the sounds of worship and praise? Can you imagine touching the hem of His garment? Can you smell the incense of the heavenly prayers? Have you sensed HOME? God has rescued us from a deadly peril. We are His! We are redeemed and will live eternally.

Let’s challenge each other to grow closer to Christ. Let’s challenge each other to read and study and meditate on the Bible. Let’s pray together and pray alone and pray for each other and for our world. Let’s talk about Jesus in the halls of our church and within the walls of our work place and in the comfort of our own homes. Has your faith grown over the last year? Are you taking steps forward in your relationship with Christ? Is He most important? Let’s move together in upward motion to change our surroundings now, moving closer to Him, for He is our home. I can almost taste it. I long for it. Don’t you?

Dear Lord,

You have rescued us and we are Your ambassadors in this world. Let us grow closer and closer to You as we continue this journey until our final rescue. You are worthy of our praise and our love and our devotion. Keep us close in prayer and in Your Holy Word.

Amen